38-55 Sidegate Range report

[BigAl52]

Seeing all these range reports from RR and others put the itch so bad on my trigger finger today I decided to go play instead of my usual sunday bike ride. First time out with the sidegate in 38-55 and I came away pretty darn impressed if I say so myself. I shot these 2 targets on my portable shooting bench at 50 yards with 67 year old eyes and iron sights. I like the white bead they use on the sidegate front sight it shows up well for me. I only made one sight adjustment and that was to drift the rear sight to the right one time. The wind was blowing at about 15 to 20 mph.

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This target was shot with some 200 grain Sierra FP bullets. There sized at .375 and I just wanted to try them for kicks in the 38-55. I used RL7 for this bullet along with the next target. Notice there are 2 shots in the bull. I did that hoping RR would except me on his shooting team up there. I would not be scared to use this bullet to hunt with at all

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This target was shot with a 250gr RCBS gas checked bullet made by Montana Bullets. He ladle casts all of his bullets. They are top notch and well made. I have bought quite a few from him. This load was also powered by RL7. There sized at 375. I think next time Im going to try some at 377 but Im sure not unhappy with what I see from my 38-55. It shoots very well. Sorry RR I could only get one in the red on the second target.

[ESquared]

Nice job, Al! I'm sure RR will let you into the facilities if you ever decide to go visit!

Congrats on some good shootin'!

[JEBar]

most interesting .... 30-30 I know well .... 35 Remington I have a passing knowledge of .... 38-55 I am unfamiliar with .... based on your experience, how are they similar and how do they differ .. ..

[Yornoc3]

Looking good! A 38-55 was what the President of the "Old Duck Hunters Association" referred to as his "far reachin" gun, as those of you who read Gordon MacQuarrie already know .

[RanchRoper]

You can ride the high country with me anytime. Nice shooting. Great to see a range report from you. Not familiar with that caliber but looks like meat on the smoker to me...

[Rifletom]

Hot damn Al, that is some good shooting! Makes me want[need] to get back to the range. Open sights and all!

[Mags]

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Very good shooting results!

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[Ojaileveraction]

A comparison of medium bores.

https://www.chuckhawks.com/38-55_gentle_medium.html

[JEBar]

A comparison of medium bores.... https://www.chuckhawks.com/38-55_gentle_medium.html

good read .... link appreciated

[PT7]

Al --- Very nice range report, and shooting. With more elderly eyes, iron sights, and windy condition, your target results remind me of RR's range visits. Wow, great job!

Sure would like to see you post more Range Reports. Yeah, some days it's a darn good thing to miss that 'ole bike ride. Just ride double distance next time out.

[BobGinVA]

Go to .377. Nominally, for cast this is about the best size...I shoot .379 in my Marlin CB, but it also shoots the .377 great. For those that don't know the 38/55, IT was the original case that the 30-30 was made from...it was originally a Ballard cart. used for 200 yard target work...I've got 3, a Marlin CB, a Marlin 336 that was re-bored from a 30-30 and a Browning Hi-Wall Traditional Hunter. As far as powder is concerned, also try IMR 4227..between 15 and 17 grains...very consistent and accurate...will hold about 3" at 200 yards with cast bullets (that's all I shoot)..regards, BobG in VA

[CT_Shooter]

Great shooting, Al. Glad you shared the targets with us. I'm pretty darned impressed with your shooting, too.

Seeing all these range reports from RR and others put the itch so bad on my trigger finger today I decided to go play instead of my usual sunday bike ride. First time out with the sidegate in 38-55 and I came away pretty darn impressed if I say so myself.

[North Country Gal]

Nicely done, Al, and all the better for doing it with such a classic old cartridge. Keep up the riding, though. I never miss a day.

[BigAl52]

Go to .377. Nominally, for cast this is about the best size...I shoot .379 in my Marlin CB, but it also shoots the .377 great. For those that don't know the 38/55, IT was the original case that the 30-30 was made from...it was originally a Ballard cart. used for 200 yard target work...I've got 3, a Marlin CB, a Marlin 336 that was re-bored from a 30-30 and a Browning Hi-Wall Traditional Hunter. As far as powder is concerned, also try IMR 4227..between 15 and 17 grains...very consistent and accurate...will hold about 3" at 200 yards with cast bullets (that's all I shoot)..regards, BobG in VA

Bob
I have 4 of them Marlin 336 Cowboy, 2 94 Winchesters and now this Henry. I use 380 in all of them except the Henry. The Henry bore is tighter than the rest and I use starline brass in all but the Marlin. Never tried 4227 But I have used 5744 which shoots very well for plinking with a 380 245 grain cast. For the full power hunting loads Ive always had good luck with RL7.